Cats ‘spray’ urine as a way of marking their territory. Therefore, they feel safer when they can smell more of their own urine. So, if your cat has suddenly started peeing on your bed or carpet, it could be because they’re trying to combat feelings of stress.  Another reason for spraying, especially in males, is if they haven’t been neutered.

Why is my cat stressed?

Cats are creatures of habit and even small changes in their environment can cause them stress leading to urine marking in the house. 

Some of the most common causes of stress include:

• A newborn baby
• A new pet in the house
• Building work in the house
• Visitors to the house
• A neighbouring cat muscling in on their territory
• Loud noises like fireworks
• A new brand of litter or simply the litter tray being too close to their food and water bowls

How do I stop my cat urine marking?

Reducing their stress is key:

• Removing whatever is triggering the stress is the most effective thing to stop your cat spraying urine.  But in some instances, like with a newborn baby, this isn’t an option.
• Gradually introducing your cat to the sound, smell and sight of your new pet/baby can help to reduce stress.
• Make sure that your cat has a safe place to retreat to when they feel stressed, ideally somewhere high they can perch.
• Keep their food and water bowls separate from the litter tray, and in a multi cat household make sure that each cat has its own feeding station and that there is a litter tray for each cat, plus one extra litter tray, all in different areas of the house, preferably in out of the way quiet places
• Clean out the litter tray daily.

If despite these changes your cat is still stressed and continues to spray urine in the house it could be worth talking to us about it.

• A calming aid such as Vetpro Anxiety and Stress to relive their anxiety
• Neutering

to help put an end to urine marking.